Diagnosis of Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you are having a stroke,
call for emergency medical services right away.

A stroke can be diagnosed based on your signs and symptoms, as well as a physical and neurological examination performed when you arrive at the hospital. Once you are stabilized, your doctor may want other tests to determine the type of stroke, what area of the brain is affected, or to determine an underlying cause.

Tests to Evaluate Stroke and Effect of Stroke

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests evaluate the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding structures. Detailed images can provide your doctor with information about areas of bleeding, blockage, or where the damaged area is located. Imaging tests include:

Blood tests can also be used to evaluate platelet, glucose, electrolyte, and cholesterol levels, as well as blood clotting time. Assessment of blood components can help with diagnosing or ruling out a stroke. Specific blood tests can also test liver and kidney function.

Depending on the severity of your stroke, your doctor will evaluate swallowing, how you respond to food textures and tastes, as well as your language skills. Stroke often affects these parts of the brain. It will help determine the rehabilitation process needed during your recovery.

A
lumbar puncture
may be done to check the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It can be examined if your doctor suspects the presence of an infection or a
subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Tests to Evaluate the Heart

Many strokes are the result of cardiovascular disease. If your doctor suspects you have cardiovascular disease, you may have additional tests, such as:

Electrocardiogram
(EKG)—To test the heart's electrical activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle. A healthy heart creates a specific pattern on an EKG. A previous
heart attack
and heart damage will cause disruptions to this pattern. It can also be used to diagnose
atrial fibrillation
.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

How is a stroke diagnosed? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/diagnosis. Updated March 26, 2014. Accessed June 13, 2014.